I think the National Mall is one of the most beautiful places in the world. It's a monument to free speech, democratic government, community, intellectual pursuit, and citizens' sacrifice for their country and the world. Even though obtaining an understanding of the politics and practicalities that go into managing the Mall would probably be like touring a sausage factory, I love it.

The Mall wasn't looking very picturesque when I visited, but the open sections were still pleasant to walk through and around. All the museums and memorials, as well as the Smithsonian Metro stop, are still accessible from the Mall. A complete walk around the Mall, even if you don't stop to look at the monuments or in the museums, is a reasonably lengthy trip. Wear comfortable shoes and take water, food (unless you don't mind paying for the overpriced fare the Mall concessionaires sell) and weather-appropriate clothing and accessories. Screen on the Green, the Smithsonian's Folklife Festival, and other events take place on the Mall, so check your travel book or DC event listings to see if anything will be going on while you're in town.

Don't drive into downtown DC if you can avoid it. Parking is limited and traffic is terrible. Take public transportation or a taxi. Or walk - Washington is a pedestrian-friendly town. If you're staying within walking distance of the Mall you're like to catch a lot of other historic and cultural sites just getting where you want to go.

If one is in the mood to do alot of walking than this part of Washingto DC is worth doing. There is certainly alot of park space and different types of sites to check out along the way. Lot's of food carts placed along the roadway. Some tourist type of carts to sell you some t-shirts, etc.

Loved the leisurely walks we could take around the Mall and the way it flowed from one museum to the other. Excellent place to just chill out with a treat and take in the day

All I can say is that I honestly thought it was a national shrine to shopping. I'm not joking.
The best way to describe the National Mall is lots of fields near the main museums and I honestly think that the best way to learn about the National Mall is to take a walking tour around it as you will learn so much more by going with a tour guide than relying on a book.
The memorable part for me was walking past the Vietnam Veterans Memorial and the World War II memorials. I don't know why but I seemed to soak up the history just by walking past there.
The Lincoln memorial at the West End of the National Mall was where we finished up with when we were on the walking tour and it was great. I can't remember the company's name though... Sorry but I'm sure if you just type walking tour Washington DC into Google you'll find something.
We just kind of walked around the National Mall one of the afternoons we were there and it was really relaxing just to kind of chill and relax after we had walked along way.